Happy New (school) Year

A lot has happened since May.
I'm not posting my weight, not because it hasn't changed, but rather because it is making dramatic changes and I want to surprise family at holiday time. (more explaination below)

I've tested out a couple different venues, and am beginning to find my own path (though I'm keeping an open mind on possibilities).
My foray into administration was not successful, and I discover that I am not really ambitious to pursue that road anyway. So I'm still in the classroom this year - so far I'm slated to teach a 1/2 combination, but we will see what happens the first day of school. Kids are still enrolling.

I have not yet stepped into the theater relm, though we are going to see more productions now. I was kind of waiting to see where I landed for this school year before getting involved with any particular production group. I'm keeping that option open for now.

My health as been a major focus for this summer. After returning from Europe, I went to Eisenhower Medical Center for their diabetes training. Did the job of scaring me good and getting me on track. I was given a 1200 calorie diet to get my weight down - which caused me a weekend of raging, but I got my act together and have been good about watching what I eat. I also learned about carb levels, balancing them with protein - and how to make my meals effective. I now have my blood sugar under control and the weight it coming off quite satisfactorily. I can even indulge in goodies now and then (like chocolate cake tonite :D - and my blood sugar level is still in the ok range). I have more energy now and the other day I noticed I can do a couple things more comfortably then I had in the past. I still have a long ways to go, but I'm noticing the difference. The scale is giving me great news - numbers I haven't seen in years.
I am even discovering that I have it in me to be a clothes horse. I'm making notes on outfits I want to make and designs I want to work on. I'm discovering a hidden interest. (more on interests later)
I have had a minor surgery on my foot and had the other eye cataract removed. All of which have had me on a health care regime of medicines and self care practices so I've had to stay focused on taking care of myself. I've been spending a lot of time on me this summer - kind of different, and refreshing.

I've been thinking alot about what it is that I am really interested in. As I explore what personal directions I'd like to go in my life, I find that I like too many things. I can easily get interested in just about any activity or hobby other people have, and there just isn't time to pursue them all. There isn't even time to pursue all the things I am personally interested in. I find that I need to sort out what is really my individual interests and what is just a passing fancy. Like painting. I thought I was really interested in learning to paint. I have some ideas in mind for some great paintings I'd like to do. But I have canvass, brushes and paints - and I'm not painting. I've dabbled in a few things, but have not really gotten into it. Partly because I don't know what I'm doing. Maybe I need to take a class to get this thing going? Or maybe this is an area that isn't really me. I like art, I appreciate art - but maybe it isn't me to create art. (I'll still plan on taking a class to explore this area though)
And film. I have enjoyed making some films in the past, but now that I have a decent video camera of my own and software on my computer - I'm not doing anything with it. I watch Nick in his production work and think that is the kind of thing I ought to be doing.... but I'm not. I find right now that I need to push myself into doing it. So does that mean it isn't a real interest of mine. Maybe (I'm not getting rid of the camera, I'm still considering opportunties to make films that will suit my purposes)
I wonder if I am a chameleon. I adapt and mimic those around me, without knowing what is really me. I've been thinking about what kinds of things I have been interested in that I have not seen others around me do. Like my lacemaking and historical skills (weaving, spinning, etc...) Those I pursued on my own, but have had to put aside because of time constraints of raising a family and working full time. (or were those excuses?)
I've picked up the tatting again and materials for other lacemaking. I need to make time for these things in my life, so am finding venues for expressing them.
I guess that is really the key to determining my real interests, finding the way to express them for myself.
Which actually fullfills part of what this blog was originally about - developing my creative side.
What I am trying to do now as I come across various tasks, is to ask myself -- how can I do this using my other interests, talents or skills -- how can I make this a way to express myself.

I'm rearranging the furniture in my classroom. Trying to set it up more efficiently. Trying to cull the junk and use the storage more effectively. One of my projects is bulletin boards. I decided that instead of punching letters out of construction paper, or printing signs off the computer, I will try making some of the labels more interesting. I picked up some perky scrapbook papers and will try using those for some of the letters. I'll need to back them with black construction paper and laminate them so they will last. Maybe I'll get carried away and use some of the scrapbook paper to make the kids' name tags too........ this could get interesting. I'm also thinking of a film to make for math class. Do I have time to put together a film for back to school night???? (an animation????)
This could be a really fun year. :D